Purple Heart Pass

We Thank You for Your Service and Sacrifice

The history of the Purple Heart dates to General George Washington in 1782, during the Revolutionary War. The Badge of Merit, a cloth purple heart with the word “merit” stitched across it in white was created to recognize heroic acts by his troops.  As the war ended, so did the Badge of Merit.  In 1932, on Washington’s 200th birthday, the modern medal of the Purple Heart was established under US Army Chief of Staff Douglas MacArthur.  Still awarded for meritorious service, it now included those soldiers wounded by the enemy.  Congress changed the rules in 1942, dropping heroic acts, adding killed in action, removing meritorious service as a qualifier, and the last change authorized the Navy to award the PH to Navy, Marine and Coast Guard personnel.

To honor and recognize the service and sacrifice that our Wisconsin Purple Heart recipients made, born was the Milwaukee County Purple Heart Pass.  In 2013, the program was established by Former County Executive Chris Abele and Veteran Services.  The pass, a small token of gratitude, allows for passholders plus a guest to access venues/attractions across the counties of Wisconsin for free.  The program started with 8 participating venues and has grown to over 20 today.  We are always looking for more to join us.  If you are a business or know of a business and would like to participate please contact us at 414-266-1232.

To date there are over 650 passholders.  Share the information, encourage your fellow Purple Heart recipients to sign up.  There is no cost to be a member.  You must be a Wisconsin resident and a Purple Heart award recipient.  The application is simple and requires only a WI driver’s license or WI state identification card along with documentation of the PH award (DD-214 or permanent order).

Purple Heart Pass Application